ES2368060T3 - ITEM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. - Google Patents

Abstract

Vehicle management system including: a first tag (72) attached to a vehicle from the production of the vehicle to its disposal, where the first tag is an RFID tag that includes a semiconductor memory with a non-writable zone that stores a vehicle ID. vehicle and a rewritable zone that stores manifest emission data; a vehicle registration certificate (50) having a second tag (72) implanted therein, where the second tag (72) is an RFID tag that includes a semiconductor memory with a non-writable zone that stores said vehicle ID and a rewritable zone that stores said manifest emission data; where the non-writable areas of the first and second labels (72) also store a label classification code that is code information to discriminate whether the label is a first label or a second label; a plurality of means for reading label information (20) for reading information from labels (72); a vehicle management server (10) including: - identification means (101) for identifying the individual vehicle based on the vehicle ID read from the tags (72); - means for storing vehicle information (102) for storing at least one of vehicle registration and historical information by associating the information with a vehicle ID of the individual vehicle; - a vehicle information database (102) that stores manifest emission data; - means for issuing manifest (101) for issuing a manifest in association with the vehicle ID identifying the individual vehicle; - means for storing waste disposal information (102) for storing company information in respective waste disposal stages in association with the vehicle ID; where the vehicle management system further includes: a communications network (80) through which the vehicle management server (10) and the plurality of tag information reading means (20) communicate to update the data of manifest emission stored in the vehicle information database (102), the first tag (72) and the second tag (72); information output means (20, 21) for reading at least one of the registration information related to the individual vehicle and the historical information related thereto from the vehicle information storage means (102) and sending the information read , based on an identification result obtained by the means of identification (101).

Description

Article management system

Cross reference to related requests

This non-provisional request claims priority according to 35 U.S.C. § 119 (a) for Patent Applications numbers 2003-075586 and 2003-083792, filed in Japan on March 19 and March 25, 2003, respectively.

Background of the invention

1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an article management system for managing articles. In particular, the present invention relates to an article management system for managing transport equipment, such as cars, motorcycles, ships and airplanes, throughout their life cycle.

2. Description of the background of the invention

A method for managing articles through the use of RFIDs (radiofrequency identification) has been gradually disseminated. This is a method for managing articles by using RFIDs (also called IC tags, radio tags, electronic tags and the like) that are small size tags with embedded ICs (integrated circuits) and means for transmitting and receiving radio signals. Specifically, in the method described above, the RFID is attached to the article or its container. The information to identify the classification of individual products and products in an article or analog distribution process is read from the RFID. In addition, a computer is used to manage the system, for example, where and what products are kept in stock

or analogues.

In Japanese Patent Publication number 2002-169858 a technology of a system is described that allows the management of an article, such as a vehicle, from its production to its disposal in such a way that an RFID (tag) is kept in a state fixed from the production of the item to its disposal. The information inherent in the article, which is stored in an IC in the RFID, can be read from a computer. This system includes, between production and disposal, information, for example, about inventory management, distribution management, distribution management, maintenance management and customer management.

In addition, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-169858 describes: a technology of attaching an RFID to a chassis frame made of a steel plate (Figures 2 and 3, paragraph 0007); and a technology of attaching an RFID to an electromagnetic shielding plate that performs electromagnetic shielding of an RFID antenna of the chassis frame made of a steel sheet (figure 2, paragraph 0009), a side of the chassis frame, a bottom of a monocoque body, or a bumper (figure 5, paragraph 0020).

In addition, Japanese Patent Publication number 2000-076334 describes a technology for registering data related to the recycling of items in an RFID (electronic tag) and putting electronic money in the RFID under the control of a recycling agent.

In addition, in Japanese Patent Publication number 2000-084532 a technology is described to distinguish by which route a residual product is to be sent according to data read from an RFID (electronic tag).

The technology described in Japanese Patent Publication number 2002-169858 is inconvenient because, for example, information about who is a legitimate owner of an item (a vehicle or the like), information about what type of parts are included in An individual article, detailed historical information after the manufacture of the article and the like cannot be managed. In addition, the storage capacity of an IC chip attached to the article is limited. Thus, there is the problem that a large amount of detailed information cannot be retained.

In the "summary" of the Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 11 (1999) -133860, a CI (product label) is described in which the product code of product information received and the product code stored in A memory is compared when product information has been received from outside. Then, if the product codes match, the product information in the memory is updated with the product information received. This technology makes it possible to reduce human resources for the job of replacing labels, the job of attaching stamps to labels, or the like, for example, in the case where product prices are exchanged for discounts or the like, or where many labels of Product are changed simultaneously in a settlement period or the like.

However, in the background described above of the invention, the product information (price information and the like) given from outside may be stored in an IC, but the status of a product itself cannot be transmitted abroad. To cite an example, a car tire, a motorcycle (two-wheeled motor vehicle, motor-equipped bicycle), a four-wheel buggy, or the like, has to be changed

or inflate with air when the air pressure is low. Therefore, it is preferred that the information regarding air pressure can be known from the outside.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems of the background of the invention. An object of the present invention is to provide article management.

WO 01/80146 A describes a product and material information communication system for use in manufacturing processes in which a product container or product holder is provided with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that stores specific information relative to product features and also stores a unique information code associated with the particular item of the product.

US-A-5,745,036 describes a system for securing electronic items for use in conjunction with items that have a security label attached to them, a system that allows a retail establishment to detect if any contraction or other events have taken place. irregularities with respect to the inventory of items.

EP-A-0 725 377, which is considered the closest prior art document, describes a vehicle management system including a tag attached to a vehicle, where the tag is an RFID tag that includes a semiconductor memory with a zone non-writable that stores a vehicle ID as well as service record, a plurality of means of reading label information for reading information from labels, a vehicle management server, a communications network and means of information output. The vehicle management server includes identification means for identifying the individual vehicle based on the vehicle ID read from the tags, and vehicle information storage means for storing registration information and the vehicle service record associating the vehicle. information with a vehicle ID of the individual vehicle. In addition, the conventional communications network provides communication between the vehicle management server and the plurality of means of reading label information. In the information output means, the information read from the vehicle information storage means can be sent based on an identification result obtained by the identification means.

Summary of the Invention

As a preliminary note, when reference is made here to an article and an article management system, these characteristics are limited to a vehicle and a vehicle management system, respectively. The present invention has been made to solve the above problems of the background of the invention. An object of the present invention is to provide an article management system that can manage part configuration information, owner registration information and the like, and detailed historical information related to an article and can use the information for various purposes.

This object is achieved with an article management system having the characteristics of claim 1.

The article management system includes: means for reading label information to read information from a label attached to an article from the production of the article to its disposal; identification means to identify the individual article based on information read from the label; article information storage means for storing at least one of registration information and historical information of the article associating the information with identification information of the individual article; and information output means for reading at least some of the registration information related to the individual article and the historical information related to it in the article information storage media and sending the information read, based on an identification result obtained by means of identification.

According to the configuration described above, the means for reading label information connected to a terminal device, for example, read information including article identification information of the label: the identification means can identify an individual article to which the label is attached. , retrieving the item identification information from the information read from the tag. In addition, the article information storage means (which are formed by a vehicle information database on a server computer, a memory in an RFID or the like) to store at least some of the article registration information (information of vehicle registration of a vehicle, information such as name, address and email address of an owner and the like) and its historical information (such as manufacturing, registration, change of owner, refueling, maintenance, inspection, repair, replacement of parts, export / import and deletion of registration) associating the information with the article identification information. Based on an identification result obtained by the means of identification, that is, the article identification information, registration information related to the individual article or historical information related to it is entered. Thus, the information sent can be confirmed by a person.

In addition, the article management system may include the storage means of article information provided outside the label.

According to the configuration described above, the article information storage means are arranged outside the label (for example, in a magnetic disk device or the like which is included in a computer system). This way you can save more information.

Additionally, the article management system may include the article as transport equipment.

The transport equipment includes vehicles (a car, a bus, a truck, a motorcycle, a motorized bicycle, a bicycle, a four-wheel buggy and the like), airplanes, boats, boats, yachts, marine bikes and the like.

Additionally, the article management system may include a terminal device arranged in each base, which includes the means of reading label information. The system may also include: means for storing identification information of the target to be searched for storing identification information of transport equipment to be searched; and means of comparison for comparing an identification result obtained by identifying an individual transport equipment by the identification means with identification information stored in the storage means of the target identification information to be searched, based on information sent from the terminal device .

According to the configuration described above, the terminal device including the means for reading label information is arranged in each base such as a gas station and a repair plant. Meanwhile, when searching for a stolen car or similar, the identification information (vehicle ID) of transport equipment, which is stored on a printed label placed or implanted in a vehicle registration certificate or the like, is previously saved in the means of storing identification information of the objective to be searched. The terminal device at the base reads label information attached to the transport equipment of all transport equipment to be refueled or repaired. All information read from the tag is transmitted to a device including the means of identification. The comparison means compares the identification result obtained by the identification means with identification information stored in the storage means of the identification information of the objective to be searched. Consequently, if both coincide with one another, the means of comparison can detect a searched vehicle, such as a stolen car. In addition, the terminal device that has read the vehicle tag information is specified. Thus, vehicle position information can also be obtained.

Additionally, the article management system may also include storage means of part configuration information for storing part configuration information indicating a part configuration for each individual article by associating the part configuration information with article identification information ; owner information storage means for storing owner information indicated by an owner of each individual item associating the owner information with the item identification information; and means of extracting owner information to list item identification information of an article including a specific part with reference to the storage means of part configuration information and to extract and send the owner information stored in the storage media of owner information associating the owner information with the listed item identification information, respectively.

According to the configuration described above, in order to extract an owner of an item including a specific part, based on information that specifies a part (for example, a model number of a part, its lot number and the like), it searches for written information in the part configuration information storage media, and a list of article identification information (vehicle ID) of the relevant article is temporarily written to a storage device (a semiconductor memory or the like). In addition, with respect to respective articles included in the written list of article identification information, the owner information (name, address, email address and the like) may be extracted from the means of storing owner information. Thus, the part replacement guide, the software update guide incorporated in a part and the like can be sent completely.

Additionally, in the present invention, the article management system further includes: means of issuing manifest to issue a manifest in association with identification information to identify the individual article; and means for storing waste disposal information to store company information at respective stages of waste disposal in association with the identification information.

According to the configuration described above, the manifest can be issued while being associated with the identification information stored in the tag attached to the article. In addition, company information in the respective waste disposal stages may be stored in the waste disposal information storage media while being associated with the identification information. Thus, waste management can be carried out more strictly.

Additionally, the article management system may include a portable terminal device for reading label information attached to a discarded article, which includes the means of reading label information, the identification means identifying the article, which includes the means of reading label information, the identification means identifies the individual item discarded based on information sent from the portable terminal device and the system also includes means for exiting information from the discarded article to send read information with reference to at least some of the article information storage means and waste disposal information storage means based on an identification result obtained by the identification means.

According to the configuration described above, when an article is illegally discarded, the means of reading label information included in the portable terminal device read label information from the label attached to the article. This information is transmitted to a device including the identification means of the portable terminal device. The identification means identify an individual article based on the information transmitted from the portable terminal device and obtain individual article identification information. Based on this identification information, the registration information included in the storage media of article information (information such as name and address of an owner) and the waste disposal information included in the storage media of waste information of waste (information indicating which stage of the processing is performed by which company) can be sent with reference to at least some of the article information storage means and the waste disposal information storage means. Thus, it is possible to give a person an indication specifying that he has illegally discarded the item.

The present invention also relates to an IC, which includes storage means for storing product information including product identification information and control means for reading the product information of the storage media and transmitting the information abroad, where a sensor is arranged inside.

Such a configuration allows the sensor to detect the status of a product. Therefore, the detected state of the product can be transmitted abroad.

Furthermore, in the present invention in the IC, the control means write product information on the storage media upon receiving the product information from outside.

According to such configuration, the product information in the CT can be updated by transmitting product information from outside to the IC.

In addition, the present invention includes the sensor as a pressure sensor or temperature sensor. Each of these configurations makes it possible to detect the state of pressure or temperature related to the product.

In addition, the present invention includes the storage means, the control means, and the sensor contained in a single box.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to said IC, in which a circuit that receives power from a battery, includes a sensor, storage means for storing product identification information, and control means, and the control means transmitting the Product identification information read from the storage media abroad and transmit the information detected by the sensor abroad. Meanwhile, the IC includes a circuit (RFID) that receives power from a battery independent power source (accumulation means), storage means for storing product identification information and second control means, where the second means of control transmit the product identification information read from the storage media abroad.

This configuration allows the second control means to transmit the product identification information abroad even in the state where there is no battery power supply.

The scope of additional applicability of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, although indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are offered by way of illustration only, since several changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will be apparent to the experts. in the art from this detailed description.

Brief description of the drawings

The present invention will be more fully understood by the detailed description given below and the accompanying drawings offered by way of illustration only, and are therefore not limiting of the present invention, and where:

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle management system according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic view showing positions of a vehicle (motorcycle) where an RFID has been attached.

Figure 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of a seat, which represents in more detail a position in which to join the RFID.

Figure 4 is a schematic view showing an example of a face of a vehicle registration certificate.

Figure 5 is a schematic view depicting a configuration of data stored in a memory in the RFID.

Figure 6 is a schematic view representing a structure of owner data included in the vehicle information database.

Figure 7 is a schematic view showing a data structure of part configuration data included in the vehicle information database.

Figure 8 is a schematic view showing a structure of vehicle history data included in the vehicle information database.

Figure 9 is a schematic view representing manifest emission data included in the vehicle information database.

Figure 10 is a schematic view showing a list of functions included in a control unit of a vehicle information management server.

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram depicting the processing and data flow in a waste / recycling system function.

Figure 12 is a block diagram representing the functional configuration of a CI not belonging to the invention.

Figures 13A and 13B are schematic views depicting the appearance and analogs of a tire air pressure monitoring device in which the IC is used.

Figure 14 is a time graph representing the content of a signal transmitted by a circuit (15).

And Figures 15A and 15B are time graphs representing the content of signals transmitted / received by an RFID (12).

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing, where the same or similar elements are identified with the same reference numbers in the different views.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle management system according to the invention. In FIG. 1, the reference number 10 is a vehicle information management server and this vehicle information management server 10 includes: a control unit 101 (identification means, information output means, storage means of objective identification information to be searched, means of comparison, means of extracting owner information, means of issuing manifest and means of output of discarded item) and a vehicle information database 102 (storage means of item information, part configuration information storage media, owner information storage media and waste disposal information storage media). In addition, reference numbers 20 are terminals provided, respectively, at a car manufacturing center, a car dealership, a car repair shop, a gas station, an automobile waste disposal center, customs office, an address of the vehicle user and the like. It should be noted that, as necessary, an RFID read / write device (tag information reading means) is connected to each of the terminals 20. Thus, it is possible to read and write information from a memory in an RFID arranged in a vehicle or in an RFTD implanted in a vehicle registration certificate. Note that the waste disposal center includes: a discharge company that discharges waste; a collection / transport company that collects / transports discharged waste; an intermediate waste company that performs intermediate waste disposal; a final waste company that performs the final waste after intermediate waste; and analogues. The reference number 21 is a portable terminal, which is carried by a user of the vehicle, for example. In addition, reference number 30 is a server of a web page for the sale of vehicles intended to sell vehicles through the use of the so-called web interface through a communications network.

The reference number 80 is a communications network, through which the vehicle information management server 10, the terminals 20, the portable terminal 21 and the vehicle sales website server 30 can communicate with each other . Note that the portable terminal 21 may be connected to the communication network 80 via a mobile telephone network 81. Here, the mobile telephone network 81 and the communication network 80 are connected to each other by a gateway device not illustrated and analogues

In the vehicle information management server 10, the vehicle information database 102 retains management information related to each vehicle throughout its life cycle from a stage of sending the vehicle from a factory to a stage of submitting the vehicle. waste disposal vehicle. In addition, as described below, the control unit 101 refers to data stored in the vehicle information database 102 and writes data to the vehicle information database 102 while exchanging data with the terminals 20, the portable terminal 21, the website server selling vehicles 30 and the like.

Note that the vehicle information management server 10, terminals 20 and the vehicle sales website server 30 are made using a computer. In addition, as portable terminal 21, a portable telephone terminal (a mobile telephone terminal or a PHS terminal (trademark, Personal Handyphone System)), a PDA (personal digital assistant) or the like is used. Each of the devices described above includes a CPU (central processing unit). Here, the processing steps performed by the respective devices are stored in a computer readable recording medium in the form of a computer program. Consequently, this program is read and executed by the CPU and the previous processing is performed. Here, the computer readable recording medium means a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory or the like. In addition, this computer program can be distributed to a computer through a communication line, and a CPU arranged in the computer, which has received this distributed program, can execute the program.

Means for identifying vehicles individually in the system of the present invention will now be described. An RFID is arranged in a vehicle, which can be identified by using a vehicle ID. A semiconductor memory is incorporated in RFID 72. In this semiconductor memory there is both a write zone disabled and a rewritable zone. In this disabled writing zone, at least one vehicle ID has been previously written to identify a vehicle.

Figure 2 is a schematic view depicting an outline of a position for joining the RFID when the vehicle is a motorcycle. In Figure 2, reference number 90 is a seat in which a person sits, and this seat is formed by a resin element. Here, it is assumed that the RFID described above is arranged in this seat.

Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of the seat along its longitudinal direction. In Figure 3A, reference numbers 71a to 71f are examples of an RFID fixation position, individually The RFID can be mounted in any of 71 to 71f. However, in particular, when the RFID is mounted in the 71 or 71f position, an RFID read / write device can be closer to the RFID since the distance from a seating surface to the RFID is short. Note that Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the seat along lines 3B-3B of Figure 3A.

It should be noted that, as shown in Figure 3A, the resin element, which forms the seat, has a certain thickness in a vertical direction to function as a shock absorber for a motorcyclist. Therefore, when the RFID is mounted on 71b, 71c, 71d or 71e, the distance to the seating surface is relatively long. Meanwhile, when the RFID is mounted on a front portion or a rear portion on the seat, such as 71a or 71f, the distance from the front or rear portion to the seating surface is relatively short. Therefore, if an arrival distance of a read / write signal (electromagnetic waves) of the RFID is relatively short, the RFID is arranged in the position, such as 71a or 71f, where the distance to the seating surface is relatively short, the reader can get closer to the RFID and can read / write.

Note that, although Figures 2 and 3 show the position for mounting the RFID in the case of a motorcycle (also, a motorized bicycle), it is also possible to arrange the RFID in a seat of a vehicle of the astride type such as a bicycle, a personal jet ski (PWC) and a four wheel buggy. Since the seat is formed by a resin element through which electromagnetic waves are transmitted, it is advantageous to mount the RFID inside the seat, as described above, in order to read and write stored RFID information by utilizing of electromagnetic wave signals. In addition, generally, the straddle type vehicle has no metal roof or the like to cover an upper side of the seat. Thus, for example, it is also possible to place the RFID read / write device on top of a vehicle or similar stop position at a gas station, at a repair plant, on the road and the like, which is advantageous. In addition, the RFID is attached to the vehicle from its production to its disposal. Consequently, by arranging the RFID in the seat, there is an advantage that the RFID does not easily separate from it.

It should be noted that, in the case of a car that has a metal roof or a vehicle such as a bus and a truck, the RFID is mounted inside the seat and the vehicle carries a handheld read / write device. Consequently, the RFID information is read and written. Alternatively, the RFID is mounted near a front window or a rear window of the car. For example, the RFID can be mounted on a dashboard part and the RFID can be read and written above from outside the vehicle. In addition, the RFID can also be mounted on a resin element, which forms the dashboard part.

A vehicle registration certificate used in the system of the present invention will now be described. Figure 4 is a schematic view showing an example of a face of the vehicle registration certificate. In Figure 4, the vehicle registration certificate 50 is a certificate granted for each vehicle. As shown in Figure 4, a type of a desired vehicle and the year of its model (indicated as “2003 model”), a serial number and the manufacturer's name are listed on its surface. In addition, an image of the vehicle is printed or adhered to the surface of the certificate. In addition, the reference number 72 is an RFID implanted in the vehicle registration certificate 50. A semiconductor memory is embedded in this RFID 72. In this semiconductor memory there is both a write zone disabled and a rewritable zone.

Note that it is assumed that the vehicle registration certificate described above is issued by a vehicle manufacturer, a public organization that manages the registration of vehicles or the like. In addition, this vehicle registration certificate has a size of approximately a credit card of 5.3 cm x 8.5 cm, for example, and its material is plastic or the like.

The RFID provided in the vehicle and information retained by the RFID 72 implanted in the vehicle registration certificate 50 will now be described. Figure 5 is a schematic view representing a configuration of data stored in a memory in the RFID described above. As shown in Figure 5, there is a disabled rewrite zone and a rewritable zone in memory. In the rewrite zone disabled, rewriting is prevented using a ROM (read memory only). Alternatively, by a control function included in the RFID, the disabled rewrite zone is controlled so that it is not rewritten therein.

A tag classification code and a vehicle ID are stored in the disabled rewrite zone, and a reservation zone is also provided. The tag classification code is code information to discriminate whether the RFID is an RFID arranged in a vehicle or an RFID arranged in a vehicle registration certificate. The vehicle ID is code information to identify vehicles individually.

In addition, proprietary data, part configuration data, vehicle history data and manifest emission data are stored in the rewritable zone and a reservation zone is also provided. With respect to the owner data, part configuration data, vehicle history data and manifest emission data, similar and managed information is also retained in the vehicle information database 102, as described below. In the system of the present invention, the vehicle management server 10 and the terminals 20 can communicate with each other through the communication network 80. Thus, as necessary, the data stored in the information database of vehicle 102 (owner data, part configuration data, vehicle history data and manifest emission data) and data stored in the RFID (owner data, part configuration data, vehicle history data and vehicle data manifest issuance) are properly updated in synchronism with each other. In addition, since the storage capacity of the RFID is limited, the vehicle information database 102 may have a complete set of the respective data described above and the RFID may have only a subset of the respective data.

With reference to Figures 6 to 9, the respective data retained by the vehicle information database 102 will now be described. Note that the data shown in Figures 6 to 9 are also partially or totally retained by the RFID for each vehicle. .

Figure 6 is a schematic view representing a data structure of the owner data included in the vehicle information database. As depicted in Figure 6, owner data includes owner information associated with a vehicle ID. Owner information means information such as a name, a date of birth, an address and analogues of the owner.

Figure 7 is a schematic view showing a data structure of part configuration data included in the vehicle information database. As shown in the example of Figure 7, the part configuration data retains information related to a part configuration for each vehicle (for each vehicle ID) as tree structure data. Reference numbers N1 to N7 are nodes in this tree structure. Node N1 corresponds to a vehicle and includes data elements such as a vehicle ID and a vehicle registration date. This vehicle includes a part 01, a part 02, a part 03, etc., and the information related to these parts is stored in nodes N2, N6 and N7, respectively. In addition, a part configuration is hierarchical. For example, part 01 also includes a part 01-01, a part 01-02, a part 01-03, etc., and the information related to these parts is stored in nodes N3 to N5, respectively. Each of the nodes N2 to N7 includes data elements such as a part name indicating the name of a part, a part code to identify a type of a part, an assigned serial number of each piece, a part lot number indicating a lot when a part is manufactured, a part manufacturing date that indicates a date on which the part was manufactured, a part assembly date that indicates a date when a part is mounted on a vehicle or a date on which a part was mounted on a high-order part and a part mounting reason indicating a reason for assembling a part (events, for example, "new car manufacturing", "repair replacement ”And the like).

Note that Figure 7 exemplifies the case where the number of parts hierarchies is two. However, there can be any number of hierarchies.

Figure 8 is a schematic view showing a structure of vehicle history data included in the vehicle information database. As depicted in the example in Figure 8, vehicle history data retains historical information for each vehicle (for each vehicle ID) and includes at least data elements of a date, a historical summary, and a detail. The values of the historical summary item are, for example, "manufacture of a new car", "owner registration" "change of ownership", "refueling" "repair", "deletion of registration", "manifest issuance" and analogues The historical information described above is produced in terminal 20 each time respective events take place. The information is written in the RFID provided in the vehicle or the RFID of the vehicle registration certificate as necessary and is transmitted to the control unit 101 of the terminal 20. The control unit 101 writes information in the database in base to the information transmitted.

It should be noted that when the historical summary is "manufacture of a new car", a manufacturer name or a factory name is written as detailed data. When the historical summary is "owner registration", an owner name, an owner address and the like are written as detailed data. When the historical summary is '' refueling '', the information specifying a gas station, information about a refueling quantity and an odometer at the time of refueling and the like are written as detailed data. When the historical summary is "repair", information about a repair plant name and the repair content and the like are written as detailed data. When the historical summary is "change of ownership", a name of a new owner, an address of the new owner and the like are written as detailed data.

Figure 9 schematically represents manifest emission data included in the vehicle information database. As depicted in the example of Figure 9, manifest emission data includes, for each vehicle (for each vehicle ID), data elements such as a manifest emission flag, a waste disposal code, information of discharge company, collection / carrier company information, intermediate waste company information, final waste company information, a public key of the discharge company, a public key of the collection / carrier company, a public key of the intermediate waste company, a public key of the final and similar waste company. The manifest issuer flag is information that indicates whether a manifest has already been granted or not. The waste disposal code is information that indicates whether the manifest is granted in paper form or electronically. Note that a secret key corresponding to each of the public keys is retained by a computer of each company. In addition, the company at each stage (for example, the intermediate waste company) may be a plurality of companies according to the content of the waste. In this case, the public key information for each company is retained in the manifest emission data.

Figure 10 is a schematic view showing a list of functions included in the control unit 101 of the vehicle information management server 10. As shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, the control unit 101 mainly includes ( a) a vehicle life cycle management system function, (b) a disposal system function and (c) a waste / recycle system function.

To be more specific, the life cycle management system function includes functions such as (1) new car registration, (2) new car sales (initial owner registration), (3) import, (4) transfer of used car (change of ownership record), (5) export, (6) deletion of vehicle registration information (download company registration), (7) refueling and (8) repair. In addition, the disposal system function includes functions such as (11) search for stolen vehicles, (12) provision for a specific type of vehicle and specific parts and (13) management of illegally abandoned vehicles. In addition, the waste / recycling system function includes functions such as (21) manifest issuance, (22) discharge management, (23) collection / transport management, (24) intermediate waste management and (25) waste management final waste A general description of each of the functions is given below.

(one)

The new car registration function receives a vehicle ID of a new car, its part and analog configuration data from terminal 20 of a car or analog manufacturing center, and records car data

new in the vehicle information database 102. In this case, the information to be written in an RFID arranged in a vehicle, an RFID implanted in a vehicle registration certificate or the like is simultaneously produced.

(2)

 The new car sales function (initial owner registration) receives data such as the name and address of an owner of the dealership terminal 20, the car sales web server 30 or the like and records owner data from the owner database. vehicle information 102.

(3)

 The import function performs similar processing to the used car transfer to be described later in the case of importation of a country (region) to be managed according to the vehicle management system. In the case of importation from other countries (regions), the owner data of a new car and its part configuration data are recorded and the past historical information is recorded as vehicle history data. The functions required for processing the import function are received from customs terminal 20, for example.

(4)

 The used car transfer function (change of owner registration) receives data such as the name and address of an owner after the transfer from terminal 20 of a used or similar car dealership, records data of a new owner in the vehicle information database 102 and adds vehicle history data.

(5)

 The export function performs similar processing to the used car transfer described above in the case of exporting to a country (region) to be managed according to the vehicle management system. In the case of exporting to other countries (regions), the owner data is updated or deleted and the export records are added as vehicle history data. The functions required for processing the export function are received from terminal 20 of the customs office, for example.

(6)

 The function of deleting vehicle registration information (download company registration) adds information indicating the deletion of records such as vehicle history data and performs the process of registering a download company that is a first agent that contracts the disposal of waste in the vehicle information database 102.

(7)

 The refueling function receives data related to the refueling (refueling quantity information, odometer information, gas station information and the like) of the terminal 20 of the gas station and performs the process of recording the received data as vehicle history data.

(8)

 The repair function receives data related to the repair of the terminal 20 of the repair plant and records the data received as vehicle history data. In addition, when the replacement of parts and the like are made in the repair, the part configuration data in the vehicle information database is also updated.

(eleven)

 The stolen vehicle search function searches for a stolen vehicle by using a vehicle ID in the case of a stolen vehicle or the like. Information about the search for a stolen vehicle is transmitted to terminals 20 of the customs office, the repair plant and the gas station or the like. For example, at the gas station, a vehicle ID is read from an RFID arranged in a vehicle in a position where the vehicle stops to refuel and the vehicle ID read from the vehicle RFID can be compared to a vehicle ID of Theft information search. In addition, when both IDs coincide with each other as a result of the comparison, refueling can be interrupted automatically, and information about the position of the gas station can be notified to the vehicle information management server. Thus, it is possible to determine the location of the stolen vehicle relatively easily.

(12)

 In the case where the duration of a part of a specific lot is about to end or similar, for example, the specific type of vehicle-specific part layout function specifies a vehicle that has the part looking in the configuration data of part in the vehicle information database 102 and obtains vehicle owner data. Thus, it is possible to send a replacement guide for parts and the like to the owner. In addition, part of the vehicle history data includes a history of receipt of car inspections, a history of replacement of parts such as tires, a history of maintenance and inspections and the like. Accordingly, based on the vehicle history data described above, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the last automobile inspection, the replacement of parts, the inspection or the like, it is possible to send a guide of the following automobile inspection. , replacement of parts, inspection or the like. The guide described above can be sent to the owner's address or can be sent by email to a retained email address such as owner data. Additionally, in addition to the case of the life of a part, in a piece that incorporates software control means, for example, the guide can be sent to the owner by adding function and software analogues.

(13)

 The illegally abandoned vehicle management function sends information related to a vehicle

illegally abandoned. For example, when an illegally abandoned vehicle is found, a vehicle ID is read from an RFID arranged in the vehicle by using a handheld or similar terminal device (portable terminal device) at the place of abandonment. Next, based on this vehicle ID, the control unit 101 reads vehicle history data and relevant vehicle owner data from the vehicle information database 102. Also, if the vehicle registration has already been erased and subjected to waste disposal, the function of waste / recycling system to be described later follows the track of waste disposal situations based on the data written in the vehicle information database 102.

The function of waste / recycling system will now be described. Figure 11 is a schematic view representing the processing and a data flow in the function of waste / recycling system. In Figure 11, discharge management, collection / transport management, intermediate waste management and final waste management are functions included in the control unit 101. Note that the processing represented in Figure 11 is based on the premise that an electronic manifesto has already been granted. Specifically, when the process of deleting vehicle registration information is performed, the manifest emission processing is performed in conjunction with it and a manifest (manifest data) is registered as electronic data in the vehicle information database 102. A vehicle ID is included in this manifest data and the manifest data and other data in the vehicle information database are associated with each other by using this vehicle ID. It should be noted that, instead of retaining the manifest data in the vehicle information database 102, the manifest data may be registered and retained in another storage region on the vehicle information management server 10 or in a recording medium (not shown) such as a magnetic disk in another computer.

The functions described above will be described below following the flow of Figure 11. First, the discharge management function included in the control unit 101 reads a vehicle ID of a vehicle as a waste target from the base of vehicle information data 102 and add download information (including information related to the download company) (step S110). Next, this vehicle ID and the information including the download information are transmitted to the terminal 20 of the download company through the communications network 80 and its encryption is requested. This information is encrypted on the side of the download company using a secret key of the download company, and is returned to the download management function of the control unit 101. The download management function writes the information returned after if it is encrypted in the vehicle information database 102 as download company information and also writes a public key of the download company in the vehicle information database 102 (step S111).

Next, the collection / transport management function included in the control unit 101 reads the download company information from the vehicle information database 102 and adds collection / transport information (including information related to the company of pick up / carrier) (step S120). This added information is then transmitted to the terminal 20 of the collection / transport company through the communications network 80 and its encryption is requested. This information is encrypted on the collection / transport company side using a secret key of the collection / transport company, and is returned to the collection / transport management function of the control unit 101. The collection management function / transport writes the information returned after being encrypted in the vehicle information database 102 as pick-up / carrier information and also writes a public key of the pick-up / carrier company in the vehicle information database 102 (step S121).

The intermediate waste management function included in the control unit 101 then reads the collection / transport company information from the vehicle information database 102 and adds intermediate waste information (including information related to the intermediate waste company ) (step S130). This added information is then transmitted to the terminal 20 of the intermediate waste company through the communications network 80 and its encryption is requested. This information is encrypted on the side of the intermediate waste company using a secret key of the intermediate waste company, and is returned to the intermediate waste management function of the control unit 101. The intermediate waste management function writes the information returned after being encrypted in the vehicle information database 102 as intermediate waste company information and also writes a public key of the intermediate waste company in the vehicle information database 102 (step S131) .

The final waste management function included in the control unit 101 then reads the intermediate waste company information from the vehicle information database 102 and adds final waste information (including information related to the final waste company) (step S140). This added information is then transmitted to the terminal 20 of the final waste company through the communications network 80 and its encryption is requested. This information is encrypted on the side of the final waste company using a secret key of the final waste company and is returned to the final waste management function of the control unit 101. The final waste management function writes the information returned after being encrypted in the vehicle information database 102 as final waste company information and also writes a public key of the final waste company in the vehicle information database 102 (step S141).

As described above, the processing of step S110 to S141 is performed according to the respective waste disposal stages and the waste information is managed. Thus, information related to waste disposal situations can be managed in an integrated way. In addition, this information is encrypted by using the secret keys of the respective companies. Thus, by decrypting the information through the use of corresponding public keys, it can be assured with certainty that the information is information added by the companies. In addition, sufficient information to keep track of the waste disposal process can be retained in the vehicle information database. In addition, the information related to waste disposal is associated with the vehicle TD of the vehicle and the vehicle ID corresponds to the vehicle ID written in the RFID provided in the vehicle registration certificate or in the vehicle itself. Thus, it is possible to identify with certainty an individual vehicle, which has become a target for waste disposal.

It should be noted that, in the example of Figure 11, it is assumed that the processing is carried out in order from the discharge company to the collection / transport company to the intermediate waste company and to the final waste company. However, processing does not always have to be done in this order. Alternatively, the company information of the waste / recycling system can be added while being encrypted in stages. For example, a single company can collectively carry out both the collection / transport and the intermediate waste, the intermediate waste can also be divided into a plurality of stages by a plurality of companies or the waste companies can be divided according to the materials included in waste and analogues.

The vehicle information management server 10, the terminals 20, the portable terminal 21, the car sales web server 30 and the like, all of which have been described above, include a computer system, respectively. Each of the vehicle information management processing processes described above is stored in a computer readable recording medium in the form of a program. Consequently, this program is read and executed by a computer to perform the previous processing. Here, the computer readable recording medium means a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory or the like. In addition, this computer program can be sent to the computer through a communication line, and the computer that received this shipment can run the program.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings. However, a specific configuration is not limited to the embodiment described above, but includes designs and the like without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

As described above, according to the present invention, based on information read from a label attached to an article, an individual article can be identified. In addition, since the registration information or historical information related to the individual article is sent, the information sent can be confirmed by a person. Thus, the information can be used in several stages from the production of the article to its disposal, and the convenience is improved.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the article information storage means are arranged outside the label. Thus, a larger amount of article information can be saved.

In addition, according to the present invention, the terminal device disposed in each of the bases includes the means for reading label information, and the comparison means can compare the identification information based on the information sent from the terminal device with information on identification previously stored in the storage media of identification information of the target to be searched. Thus, it is possible to know the location of a searched vehicle such as a stolen car.

In addition, according to the present invention, by searching for part configuration information, an article having a specific part can be specified, and information about the owner of the article can be obtained. Thus, a replacement guide for parts and the like can be sent completely and safely to the owner.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the company information in the respective waste disposal stages is stored while being associated with the identification information. Thus, waste disposal processes can be strictly managed. In addition, when an item is illegally disposed of, for example, the item can be identified and the owner of the item or a waste disposal center can be specified, which results in the prevention of illegal disposal of items (e.g. cars , motorcycles and the like).

Figure 12 is a block diagram representing the functional configuration of a CI not belonging to the invention. In Fig. 12, the reference number 1 denotes the IC, and the reference number 2 denotes a battery to supply power to the IC 1. As the battery 2 is used, for example, a lithium battery or the like which is excellent durability. The reference number 3 denotes a switch to control the connection / disconnection between the CI 1 and the battery 2.

Within IC 1 are circuits 15 and 11. Of these two, only circuit 15 receives power from battery 2. Circuit 11 contains a circuit of an RFID 12.

This RFID 12 includes a built-in antenna 120, a product information storage unit 121 (storage media), an accumulator unit 122, a control unit 123, and a transmission / reception unit 124. The built-in antenna 120 is a antenna to receive an electromagnetic wave signal from outside and transmit an electromagnetic wave signal to the outside, and is performed, for example, as a spiral-shaped circuit configuration made of conductive material. The product information storage unit 121 is a memory for storing product information including product identification information that allows the identification of the present individual product, and is performed with a semiconductor memory or the like. The accumulator unit 122 is a circuit for supplying power to the entire circuit 11, and includes a capacitor, which temporarily accumulates power generated using electromagnetic waves received by the built-in antenna 120, or the like. The accumulator unit 122 is designed by using a time constant that allows the necessary power supply to be maintained during a series of operations by RFID 12 beginning with the reception of a read signal and ending with the transmission of information abroad according to procedures described later. The control unit 123 controls a series of operations beginning with the reading of required information from the product information storage unit and ending with the transmission of the required information abroad when a read signal is received from outside. The transmission / reception unit 124 receives an electromagnetic wave reading signal from outside to communicate the read signal to the control unit 123, and transmits an electromagnetic wave signal to the outside according to instructions of the control unit 123.

The information stored in the product information storage unit 121 includes product identification information, price information, store information, the minimum appropriate pressure value, the maximum appropriate pressure value, the appropriate minimum temperature value, and the maximum appropriate temperature value. Product identification information is unique code information to identify the individual IC present. The price information is information about a price set in a store or the like, and is read by a point of sale (POS) system of the store when a user purchases a product that incorporates the IC of the present invention. Store information is code information that identifies a store where the product is sold. The minimum appropriate pressure value and the appropriate maximum pressure value indicate a range of values appropriate for the pressure detected by the IC of the present invention. Storing these values makes it possible to send an alarm signal in the event that a detected pressure value is not in this range. The appropriate minimum temperature value and the appropriate maximum temperature value indicate a range of values appropriate for the temperature detected by the IC of the present invention. The storage of these values makes it possible to send an alarm signal in the event that a detected temperature value is not in this range.

By the way, product identification information is kept in a read only memory (ROM)

or a writable memory once. Additionally, in addition to the information cited herein, other product information can also be stored in the product information storage unit 121.

Circuit 15 includes a built-in antenna 150, a pressure sensing unit 111 (sensor, pressure sensor), a temperature measuring unit 112 (sensor, temperature sensor), a control unit 113, and a transmission unit 114

The pressure sensing unit 111 is formed using a semiconductor pressure sensor, and detects the pressure to send a signal according to the pressure value. To cite an example, the pressure detection range is 0 to 500 kPa, and the pressure detection accuracy is ± 2%. A pressure sensing unit having said pressure sensing range and a pressure sensing accuracy is suitable, for example, for measuring the air pressure in a tire.

The temperature measuring unit 112 measures the temperature and sends a signal according to the temperature value. To cite an example, the temperature measurement range is 233 K to 393 K (from minus 40 degrees to plus 120 degrees Celsius), and the temperature measurement accuracy is ± 8K.

The control unit 113 receives a pressure value signal from the pressure detection unit 111, and receives a temperature value signal from the temperature measurement unit 112. In addition, the control unit 113 stores identification information, which allows to identify the individual IC of the present invention. The control unit 113 sends a signal indicating pressure value information (sensor information), temperature value information (sensor information), and identification information according to a predetermined time.

The transmission unit 114 transmits electromagnetic waves, modulated based on the above-described signal sent from the control unit 113, to the outside. To cite an example, frequency modulation (FM) is used as a modulation technique, and an appropriate frequency between several hundred MHz and several tens of GHz is used as a transmission frequency.

The built-in antenna 110 is used to transmit the signal from the transmission unit 114, outside.

The placement of each unit in the CI 1 described above will now be described. Figures 13A and 13B are schematic views depicting the appearance and analogs of a tire air pressure monitoring device in which the IC according to the present embodiment is used. Figure 13A represents a schematic view seen from its side, and Figure 13B represents the schematic view observed from its bottom. The respective reference numbers that appear in Figures 13A and 13B are the same as those indicated in Figure 12. As shown in these drawings, the battery 2 is placed near the IC 1. Within the CI 1, the built-in antenna 110 , pressure sensing unit 111, temperature measuring unit 112, RFID 12, and the like are placed as depicted in these drawings. Note that the articles and analogs included in IC 1 are contained in a single box.

As previously described, circuit 15 receives power from battery 2. Accordingly, circuit 15 performs the operations of pressure detection, temperature measurement, and outdoor transmission when switch 3 is in a connected state, and stops when switch 3 is in a disconnected state. On the other hand, circuit 11 receives power from accumulator unit 122. Accordingly, circuit 11 operates independently of the switching on / off of switch 3 provided that sufficient power (voltage, current) is supplied from accumulator unit 122.

The operations of the respective units of CI 1 will now be described.

Fig. 14 is a time graph representing the content of signals transmitted by circuit 15. In circuit 15, control unit 113 receives signals that have values representing respective measurement results of pressure sensing unit 111 and the temperature measuring unit 112 at predetermined sufficiently short intervals. In addition, the control unit 113 sequentially sends a synchronism signal, an identification signal, a pressure signal value, and a temperature value signal, and the electromagnetic waves modulated by these signals are transmitted abroad by the unit of transmission 114. The synchronization signal is a signal that has a predetermined configuration used for synchronization with a receiving side. The identification signal is a signal generated so that it corresponds to identification information (information to identify the individual IC) by reading the identification information stored in the control unit 113. The pressure signal value is a signal corresponding to a value numerical (pressure value) received from the pressure sensing unit 111. The temperature value signal is a signal corresponding to a numerical value (temperature value) received from the temperature measuring unit 112. After the signal of temperature value has been sent, then returning to the beginning, the sending is done in order of the synchronization signal, the identification signal, the pressure signal value, and the temperature value signal. This is repeated while the battery power supply 2 continues.

Figures 15A and 15B are time graphs representing the content of signals transmitted / received by RFID 12. Figure 15A corresponds to operations on the IC side (RFID side) when a read signal is received from outside (a side of the read / write device where the information in the IC of the present invention is read / written), and Figure 15B corresponds to operations on the IC side when a write signal is received from outside.

In Fig. 15A, first, when a read signal is received from the read / write device side, the power generated in RFID 12 is temporarily accumulated in accumulator unit 122. Upon receiving the power supply from the unit accumulator 122, control unit 123 and the like begins to operate. The control unit 123 first recognizes that the received signal is a read signal, and reads product information from the product information storage unit 121. Then, a response signal containing the read product information is sent. The response signal is transmitted as an electromagnetic wave signal to the outside by the transmission / reception unit 124. The transmitted electromagnetic wave signal is received by the read / write device. By the way, the product information contained in the response signal includes identification information and others in Figure 15A. However, for example, the response signal may contain only the identification information.

In Fig. 15B, first, when a write signal is received from the read / write device side, the control unit 123 and the like begins to operate upon receiving the power supply of the accumulator unit 122 as before. The control unit 123 recognizes that the received signal is a write signal, and reads product identification information from the product information storage unit 121. Then, the product identification information read and the identification information are compared. Received from abroad. If the two identifying information elements do not match, writing is not carried out in the product information storage unit 121, and a signal representing "fault" is sent as a response signal. If the two elements of identification information match the above comparison, the information stored in the product information storage unit 121 is updated with the received product information. That is, upon receiving product information from abroad, the control unit 123 writes the product information in the product information storage unit 121.

Such product information update is performed, for example, in the case where the appropriate values are set depending on the types of tires in which the tire air pressure monitoring device is arranged (updating of the appropriate minimum pressure value , the maximum appropriate pressure value, the minimum appropriate temperature value, and the maximum appropriate temperature value). Alternatively, for example, said update is carried out in the case where prices have been reduced by rebates or the like in a store (price information update).

The identification information record in the tire air pressure monitoring device will now be described. The device shown in Figures 13A and 13B and in which the IC according to the present embodiment is incorporated, is placed in a tire in the manufacturing stage of the tire. On the other hand, radio signals (including a pressure value signal and a temperature value signal) transmitted from the transmission unit 114 are received by a receiver arranged in a main body of a car, a motorcycle, or the like. Therefore, for this receiver to operate correctly based on the radio signals of its own tire, the identification information of a device disposed on a tire has to be registered on the receiving side at the manufacturing stage of a new car. or at the time of changing the tires.

In the case where the IC of the present embodiment is used, the above registration can be performed by two methods. The first method is a method in which an identification signal transmitted from circuit 15 is received and recorded on the receiving side. The second method is a method in which registration on the receiving side is carried out using the identification information (product identification information) included in the product information transmitted from RFID 12. To use the second method, the Identification information represented by the identification signal transmitted from circuit 15 and the identification information transmitted from RFID 12 must be the same or correlated with each other. Here, "correlated with one another" means, for example, that the key portions of the two information elements are the same so that it can be determined whether the two information elements are correlated with each other by making a calculation using the two elements. of information as parameters, or the like.

Generally, in a tire pressure monitoring system, the transmission of a signal stops (switch 3 is disconnected) in order to prevent a battery from running out during transport and storage in the distribution process. However, since the second method described above has been enabled, registration at a receiver can be performed by reading product identification information of the RFID. Therefore, convenience is improved, so that the need for a device boot operation on the transmitter side for registration is eliminated.

Said control units 113 and 123 are made by logic circuits of combinatorial logic and sequential circuits. As a form thereof, control units 113 and 123 can be performed by using a computer. In this case, said processing process for each control unit is stored in the form of a program in a computer readable recording medium, and the computer reads and executes this program, thereby performing the above-described processing. Here, the computer readable recording medium means a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, or the like. In addition, the following can be adopted: this computer program is sent to a computer using a communication line, and the computer that has received the administration runs the program.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, a particular configuration is not limited to these embodiments. The present invention covers the design and the like without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, in Figure 12, the built-in antennas 110 and 120 have been arranged individually. However, they can be arranged as a common built-in antenna.

Furthermore, for example, in Figure 12, the transmission unit 114 and the transmission / reception unit 124 have been arranged individually. However, they can be arranged as a common transmission / reception unit. In this case, switching means are also provided to control whether this common transmission / reception unit receives power from battery 2 or accumulator unit 122.

In addition, for example, in Figure 12, the product identification information is stored in the control unit 113, and the control unit 113 sends an identification signal by reading the product identification information. However, on the other hand, the control unit 113 can read product identification information from the product information storage unit 121. Also in this case, switching means are arranged to switch the power supply between the two systems according to be necessary. Such configuration makes it possible to ensure that the identification information transmitted from circuit 15 and the identification information transmitted from RFID 12 are the same.

In addition, the IC according to the present embodiment can be used not only for a tire air pressure monitoring system, but also for other products.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is enabled that the status of a product is transmitted abroad by providing a sensor within an IC that has means for storing product information that includes product identification information and transmitting this product information. product abroad reading product information. For example, the life (change time), maintenance time, or the like of a component of a car, motorcycle, or the like can be detected.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to update product information (such as product position information, information related to distribution about a price, a store, and the like) by writing product information on storage media when the IC receives from outside the product information.

In addition, the use of a pressure sensor such as the sensor makes it possible to detect the air pressure of a tire, the brake oil pressure, or the like.

In addition, the use of a temperature sensor such as the sensor makes it possible to detect the temperature of a tire (the rubber portion), the temperature of the engine coolant, or the like.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, a component can be miniaturized and manufactured cheaply because of the configuration in which the storage means, the control means, and the sensor disposed in the IC are contained in a single box.

Having thus described the invention, it will be obvious that it can be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be considered as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and it is envisioned that all modifications that are obvious to those skilled in the art are included within the scope of the following claims.

The invention provides an article management system capable of managing part configuration information, proprietary and analogous registration information, and detailed historical information related to articles and capable of using the information for various other purposes. In addition, it provides a CI (RFID) capable of transmitting not only product information previously received from outside, but also information indicating the current state of a product itself.

Claims (7)

1. Vehicle management system including: a first tag (72) attached to a vehicle from the production of the vehicle to its disposal, where the first tag is an RFID tag that includes a semiconductor memory with a non-writable zone that stores a vehicle ID and a rewritable zone that stores manifest emission data; a vehicle registration certificate (50) having a second tag (72) implanted therein, where the second tag (72) is an RFID tag that includes a semiconductor memory with a non-writable zone that stores said vehicle ID and a rewritable zone that stores said manifest emission data; where the non-writable areas of the first and second labels (72) also store a label classification code that is code information to discriminate whether the label is a first label or a second label; a plurality of means for reading label information (20) for reading information from labels (72); a vehicle management server (10) including:

-

identification means (101) for identifying the individual vehicle based on the vehicle ID read from the labels (72);

-

vehicle information storage means (102) for storing at least one of vehicle registration and historical information by associating the information with a vehicle ID of the individual vehicle;

-

a vehicle information database (102) that stores manifest emission data;

-

manifest emission means (101) for issuing a manifest in association with the vehicle ID that identifies the individual vehicle;

-

means for storing waste disposal information (102) for storing company information in respective waste disposal stages in association with the vehicle ID;

where the vehicle management system also includes: a communications network (80) through which the vehicle management server (10) and the plurality of tag information reading means (20) communicate to update the manifest emission data stored in the database of vehicle information (102), the first label (72) and the second label (72); information output means (20, 21) for reading at least one of the registration information related to the individual vehicle and the historical information related thereto from the vehicle information storage means (102) and sending the information read , based on an identification result obtained by the means of identification (101).

2.

 Vehicle management system according to claim 1, wherein the system deletes vehicle registration information in conjunction with the issuance of the manifest; reads information from the waste disposal information storage media (102) and adds other information including information related to a specific company of said companies; transmits said information and other information to the specific company and asks for its encryption; encrypts said information on the specific company side using a specific company secret key and returns that information; writes the information returned after being encrypted in the waste disposal information storage media (102) as specific company information and also writes a specific company public key in the waste disposal information storage media (102 ); and performs the multiple steps according to the respective waste disposal stages and, therefore, manages waste information.

3.

 The system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said historical information has maintenance or inspection information.

Four.

 The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vehicle information storage means (102) are arranged outside the tag (72).

5.

 The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further including:

means for storing information of objective identification to be searched (101) to store identification information of transport equipment to be searched; Y comparison means (101) comparing an identification result obtained by identifying an individual transport equipment by the identification means (101) with identification information stored in the storage means for the purpose of searching for identification information (101), based on information sent from a terminal device (20, 21) arranged in each base and including the means of reading label information. 6. The system according to any of claims 1 to 5, further including: part configuration information storage means (102) for storing part configuration information indicating a part configuration for each individual vehicle by associating the part configuration information with the vehicle ID of the vehicle; owner information storage means (102) that store owner information indicated by an owner for each individual vehicle by associating the owner information with the vehicle ID of the vehicle; Y owner information extraction means (101) for listing vehicle identification information of a vehicle including a specific part with reference to the part configuration information storage means (102), and extracting and sending the owner information stored in the owner information storage media (102) associating the owner information with the vehicle identification information listed, respectively. 7. The system according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein identification means (101) identify the individual vehicle based on information sent from a portable terminal device (21) to read label information attached to the individual vehicle that includes the means for reading label information, and where the system includes means for outputting discarded vehicle information (101) to send read information with reference to at least some of the vehicle information storage means (102) and the waste disposal information storage means ( 102) based on an identification result obtained by means of identification (101).